Tricky area - I wouldn't want YardGuy to fall into the pool or the canal...use some sort of ground cover that is low, and maintenance free would be my suggestion.
Either that, or tile it.
Good luck. I know it will be lovely whatever you do.
Oh the builder is planting that whole area, and it will have a covering of that Volcanic rock or something. The yard guy will only spay it now and then. It should be pretty self sustaining.